PALACE loan signing Stephen Dobbie says manager Ian Holloway was a key factor in him making the short trip up the M23 from the Eagles' fiercest rivals Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 30-year-old followed Kevin Phillips to Selhurst Park on transfer deadline day and had just one chance to train with his new team-mates ahead of the game against Charlton Athletic.
But he says the whole squad have made him feel welcome at the club and that it was good he knew some of them prior to the move.
"I knew a few of the players before I joined last Friday like Jazz Richards and Kevin Phillips, who also signed on the same day," he told Advertiser Sport.
"I've settled in well and I'm just looking forward to playing now. I played a reserve game for Brighton the week before so it was good. I'm fit and healthy and ready to go.
"The gaffer is the main reason I've come to Palace. He knows what I'm all about and I know what he's all about – I've come to help him.
"As soon as the chance came for Ian Holloway to come and get me, I jumped at it.
"I've always said I'd love to play for him. For me, it's just a matter of trying to help Palace get promotion."
And despite coming from the Seagulls, Dobbie insists the rivalry has nothing to do with him as he wants the Palace fans to see what he can do on the pitch.
"I think in behind the striker is my best position to link up play and get efforts at goal but also to try and create for the wingers getting forward," he said.
"Luckily enough over the seasons I've done well and scored a few as well, so I'm just going to make sure the most important thing is that we win.
"The rivalry between Palace and Brighton is for the fans, so for myself I'm just here to play football no matter what strip I'm pulling on.
"As long as I'm doing the business for that actual team then that's what matters to me.
"I've seen the attacking talent at Palace throughout the season and watched the television highlights on a Saturday night, so the talent going forward is absolutely fantastic.
"I wasn't getting any game time at Brighton and maybe wasn't fitting in with the manager's plans, so to come in and help and score a few more goals, that's what I'm here for."
With the Eagles facing Watford tonight at Vicarage Road, Dobbie believes if they can take their second half display from Charlton from the off against the Hornets, they'll have a good chance of claiming the three points.
And despite the hosts missing a number of players due to international call-ups, Dobbie is firmly concentrating on how Palace go into game.
"They're up there with us and a point ahead, so it's a big game and I think we need to go there and play the way we did in the second half last weekend," he said.
"I think the attacking talent we've got and the way we defended in the second half last Saturday, it's about what we do and not what players Watford have got our injured or away on international duty."
